Black-naped Oriole feeding on nectar

“The Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis maculatus) usually takes fruit or animal prey (below).

“I have previously posted nectar feeding behaviour, using the Coral Tree (Erythrina variegata) LINK.

“Today we saw an adult feed on the nectar of the Bottlebrush (Callistemon sp.) tree (below). We have planted 3 Callistemons in our garden so that the birds can share this rich nectar source, as there are often squabbles over it.

“This is the first time I have seen a Black-naped Oriole patiently getting nectar from each flower spike (below). Our resident Yellow-vented Bulbuls (Pycnonotus goiavier analis) were distressed and came to investigate the ‘loss’ the moment the Black-naped Oriole left.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
11th February 2018

Location: Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Urban environment